The Homecoming

 

Will Loevner had won Cleveland. He had won in Philadelphia. But on May 3rd, 2026, he finally captured the victory that meant the most. The Pittsburgh native and Winchester Thurston graduate crossed the finish line of the 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon first with a time of 2:14:50 in front of thousands of hometown supporters. After runner-up and fifth-place finishes in his previous two attempts, Loevner finally stood atop the podium in his hometown marathon.

Where It All Began 

 

Long before marathon victories and championship celebrations, Loevner’s running journey began in Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and schoolyards. Running wasn’t just a sport for Loevner, it was part of who he was. He found his passion for running during his early years of middle school at Winchester Thurston, a small but highly regarded private school in the heart of Shadyside. Loevner didn’t just compete, he thrived during his time at Winchester Thurston. By his junior year, Loevner helped Winchester Thurston capture a Class A state title in cross country. Pittsburgh had an elite runner in the making, and no one knew just how far he would go.

Two Wheels, One Champion 

 

After high school, Loevner took his talents to The Pennsylvania State University to run Cross Country and Track for the Nittany Lions. Throughout his first two years, Loevner competed in plenty of events and began to slowly add to his running resume. After two seasons with the Nittany Lions, Loevner chose an unexpected path. Rather than continuing his collegiate running career, he stepped away from the sport and turned his attention to mountain biking. What initially appeared to be a departure from elite competition quickly became another chapter of his athletic success. Loevner went on to place 2nd at the Unbound XL 350. He then propelled himself to win the 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championship of Americas, and place 3rd at the 24 Hour World Championship. Loevner wasn’t just dabbling with mountain biking, he was competing at the highest level in a completely new sport.  

The Road Calls Back

 

After proving himself among the best endurance mountain bikers in the world, Loevner felt the pull of running once again. When he returned to road racing, it didn’t take long for him to reestablish himself as one of the sport’s rising marathon runners.  With a win at the 2023 Cleveland Marathon and a 4th place finish at the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon, Loevner was able to qualify for the Olympic Trials. Not long after, Loevner returned to the winner’s podium for the 2024 Cleveland Marathon, and this time the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon. With multiple championships between two sports, the only thing left on the list was Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh, Finally!

 

Runner-up in 2024. Fifth in 2025. Loevner had been knocking on Pittsburgh’s door for years. On May 3rd, 2026, he finally kicked it down. He crossed the finish line in 2:14:50, winning the men’s division of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon in front of thousands of fans lining the streets of his very own hometown. Cleveland, Philadelphia, and finally Pittsburgh captured. His trifecta was completed. Loevner wasn’t the only one also making history that day. Jane Bareikis crossed the finish line in 2:30:31, becoming the first woman ever to win the Pittsburgh Marathon three consecutive years.

(Will Loevner celebrates his victory at the 2026 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon)

The Full Circle 

 

Nearly a month after his win, Loevner returned to where it all began. Back at Winchester Thurston for the school’s Lower School field day, he spent the morning with students as a part of P3R’s Kids of Steel program, a free training program that helps motivate kids and their families to get moving together. Standing on the same field where his own love for running took root, Loevner became a living example of what years of dedication, resilience, and perseverance can achieve.     

(Will Loevner stands with students during Winchester Thurston's Lower School Field Day)

 

About P3R

P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.